Lace up your hiking boots, pack a lunch and head out for a day of adventure on foot. Check out Loma Linda's South Hills, which offers 25 miles of hiking trails on 2,000 acres. Various fauna and wildlife, including deer, coyotes and hawks, can be spotted along the trails first cleared by electricity company Southern California Edison.
For single-track excitement, look no further than the San Bernardino National Forest. Covering almost 700,000 acres, its mountainous landscape offers thrills for any level mountain biker. Big Bear Lake, Snow Summit and Snow Valley are popular destinations for mountain bikers, with the last locale equipped with chair lifts to carry bikers to the top. Be sure to wear the proper protective gear and stay off any trails that are prohibited to mountain bikes.
Three central lakes offer water sport enthusiasts the chance to indulge their passions within easy access of downtown. Big Bear Lake, Lake Arrowhead and Lake Perris provide a scenic backdrop for fishing, sailing, windsurfing, paddle boating, pontoon boating, jet skiing and more. Rentals are available at or near each location, and there are numerous boating events held year round.
If swooping down snowy mountains is your thing, Loma Linda has plenty to offer. In less than an hour's drive, you can get to several worthy ski resorts, including Big Bear Mountain and Mountain High resorts. A Big Bear Mountain lift ticket also gives you access to Snow Mountain, and Mountain High boasts three separate smaller resorts with trails for every ability.